The jazz setting for the Mass created from items from Duke Ellington's Sacred Concerts continues to attract much interest, but it requires substantial funding for a performance. Recognising the need for a smaller scale authentic jazz mass the Chaplaincy commissioned a work for a jazz quintet and cathedral choir from acclaimed jazz saxophonist Peter King. It was premiered in Newcastle Cathedral on Ascension Day, 17 May, 2007.

Programme note from the composer:

In 2006, Canon Bill Hall approached me with the idea of writing a Jazz Mass for jazz quintet and cathedral choir. I was delighted to have the opportunity to tackle this challenging task. I was thrilled at the idea of playing with such a choir; even though writing for that particular ensemble of voices was a new experience for me. I was totally in sympathy with Bill's direction that the jazz mass should give full reign to both musical disciplines, rather than trying to meld them together into a kind of "fusion" style. I had also used this same approach in one of my earlier commissions, Janus, the suite in five movements for jazz quartet and classical string quartet released in 2006. The new work will hopefully give full value to both the great choral and jazz traditions, and at the same time bring them together in a way that celebrates the exquisite beauty of the Mass."

Peter King

 

Response from the Cathedral:

"It was a real privilege for the Cathedral to host this major event and a pleasure to work with Bill Hall and the Arts Chaplaincy to make this a reality. There was an extraordinary air of excitement in the Cathedral as this Mass wove together the modern and the traditional, the sacred and secular, the formal and the relaxed. It was a highly significant spiritual as well as musical occasion and a worthy celebration for Ascension Day."

The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Newcastle

"It was an absolute joy to work with the living legend that is Peter King. The Quintet were tremendous and the choir really rose to the occasion - the Jazz Mass was adventurous in blending Jazz with the traditional sound of a Cathedral Choir, but it worked brilliantly, and really came into its own in the setting of the Ascension Day Eucharist."

Scott Farrell, Master of the Music

"This was a memorable performance. While people may not naturally associate the Jazz idiom with Anglican liturgy, all doubts were silenced by the eloquent intensity of King's music. Ranging from dreamy meditation to ecstatic exuberance, this was jazz of the highest order, but King wonderfully integrated his music into the whole liturgical experience. This Jazz Mass was a first for King. He said, 'When I first saw how short some of the texts actually were - for example, the Kyries - I wondered how I could make anything of them. But then I listened to settings by people like Mozart, and realised what was possible.' Those present were carried to new heights and depths of musical experience, and were left hungry for more. In the language of the Church, there was a general urge to shout 'Alleluia!'"

Canon Robert Gage. Canon Residentiary
who preached at the premiere

"The congregation enjoyed taking part in the Jazz Mass almost as much as our musicians! There were numerous visitors, all of whom were full of praise for the service, and the regular congregation were very enthusiastic about the whole event - many have been asking when we are planning to do it all over again."

Tony Curtis, Cathedral Development Officer